Boston Rep. Pleads Not Guilty To Assault Charges

State Rep. Carlos Henriquez, a Boston Democrat arrested early Sunday on domestic assault charges, pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in Roxbury District Court Monday.

Henriquez, 35, will remain free after a judge set his bail at $1,000 — the amount Henriquez posted after his arrest.

As the Associated Press reported Sunday:

Boston Police say an argument between Henriquez and the alleged victim, believed to be his girlfriend, turned violent. Henriquez allegedly punched the woman and refused to let her out of the car.

Henriquez left court Monday without speaking to reporters. According to the Boston Herald, his attorney said the representative "adamantly denies these allegations."

The Suffolk County District Attorney's office adds:

Based on a review of the evidence, authorities believe the assault was committed in Arlington, not Boston, so that charge will be referred to Middlesex County.

The Herald reports:

Henriquez has been ordered to stay away from the alleged victim, the Arlington home of her mother and when she is on the campus of the University of Massachusetts Boston ...

Henriquez is due back in court Sept. 27.

Update on 7/10: On Monday night, Henriquez released a statement. Here it is in part (via the Dorchester Reporter):

I have been accused of some serious charges, these allegations are completely untrue.

I was raised by a strong mother and also raised with a younger sister both of whom I respect and love deeply. My father, Julio Henriquez, who recently passed was a track coach and mentor to hundreds of young women from this community and I have dedicated myself to protecting women, not abusing or assaulting them. Putting my hands on a woman is contradictory to my upbringing and my own morals.